State’s transgender guidance needed

Saturday

Mar 23, 2013 at 6:00 AM

As a former Shrewsbury School Committee member and parent of a transgender child, Iím disappointed that the Tantasqua Regional School District legislative subcommittee is apparently unconcerned about the educational needs, safety and well-being of all the students in their charge.

Transgender students are ostracized and bullied at a higher rate than their peers. They are often disrespected by even the most well-meaning teachers, unfamiliar with what it means to be transgender. The DESEís guidance on transgender students gives schools the specific information they need to respond appropriately to maintain the safety and well-being of transgender students so that they can reach their full potential.

Regarding concerns about bathroom and locker room access for transgender students, your reporter failed to note that the guidance recommends that school personnel make decisions about access to such facilities on a case-by-case basis, to safeguard against any student trying to get into a locker room for improper purposes.

Additionally, the guidance recommends providing a private option for any student who finds changing in groups or in front of others to be invasive or embarrassing.

For many educators, having a transgender student propels them into largely uncharted territory. The DESE guidance is a chance for schools to learn about the experiences and needs of transgender students. This is exactly what needs to happen. Having these difficult conversations now, rather than after a student has been bullied or committed suicide, isnít easy, but itís a positive step forward.